Sugar conduct taskforce will put ‘the cards on the table’

AFTER being plagued by concerns over sugar marketing deals, farmers are having their voices heard.

The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct Taskforce is being rolled out, with the first meetings scheduled to be held this week.

Taskforce chairman and Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen said the consultation would "put all the cards on the table".

The proposed withdrawal from Queensland Sugar Limited of major milling companies has caused uncertainty within the industry.

"This is an opportunity for all stakeholders to have their say and get issues out in the open," Mr Christensen said.

"The profitability and sustainability of both farms and mills are in the best interests of all concerned and the taskforce will be looking for ways to ensure fair outcomes are negotiated."

Mr Christensen held a series of meetings with cane-growing organisations and farmers before the first taskforce meeting and will continue to canvass the industry across Queensland and NSW.

"We will be moving on this issue quickly because some farmers have been left in limbo, but it is important to get all the cards on the table," Christensen said yesterday.

"The taskforce will determine if a code of conduct for the sugar industry is needed and if such a code should be mandatory. At this stage, there is a strong call for a mandatory code to address the power imbalance in current negotiations."

The taskforce this week resolved to report to the agriculture minister and the small business minister in May.